Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, announced the first batch of 48 winners who have won a fully paid trip to Manchester to watch their favourite team train and play at Old Trafford – ‘The Theatre of Dreams.’ The lucky winners will also get a chance to experience the historic grounds of Old Trafford, dine at the famous Red Café and meet with Manchester United Legends.

The trip to Old Trafford is one of the priceless experiences being offered to UAE-based cardholders of Emirates NBD Manchester United co-branded Credit and Prepaid Cards. Emirates NBD launched the co-branded cards last year, as a result of the bank’s agreement with Manchester United Football Club, to be its exclusive financial partner in the UAE for a period of five years.

“With customer convenience being a major driving force at Emirates NBD, the bank is constantly on the lookout to offer its customers unique value-added benefits that exceed their expectations,” said R Sivaram, Head of Retail Assets & Cards Business, Emirates NBD. “We are therefore, delighted to deliver on our promise to customers, and offer them this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch their favourite team train and play at Old Trafford – ‘The Theatre of Dreams.’”

Since the launch in September 2013, the co-branded Emirates NBD Manchester United cards have received a strong and positive response from customers, with a record number of Manchester United fans applying for the cards. In addition to the opportunity to win fully paid trips every season to Old Trafford and official Manchester United signed memorabilia, the co-branded cards offer cardholders various benefits and rewards including the opportunity to win a new 2014 Chevy Camaro every quarter and enjoying attractive offers and privileges at Chevrolet. The first winner for the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro was Mr. Javed Akberali.

On receiving the Camaro Akberali said: “I am delighted to have won the Chevrolet Camaro, the first quarter grand prize on the ManUtd Card. I am very passionate about Manchester United FC and consider the features and benefits offered on this card to be very relevant and exciting to a true fan like me, especially the discounts given on merchandise. I would like to thank Emirates NBD for launching this card; it is truly a dream come true for all Man Utd fans in this region. Winning the Chevy Camaro is truly a Priceless Experience.”

Ahmed Soudodi, Brand Manager for Chevrolet in the Middle East said: “The partnership with Emirates NBD and Manchester United Football Club has been a great success and has resulted in increased interest in our brand, which reflects the same sense of pride and possibility that is associated with Manchester United. We are delighted to work with like-minded brands and hope to bring more exciting partnerships to our customers here in the UAE.”

As further evidence of its huge success the Emirates NBD Manchester United Affinity Card program has been recognised by MasterCard as ‘The Best International Sports Affinity Co-brand Program in the UAE – 2013.’

Eyad Al Kourdi, UAE Country Manager, MasterCard said: “Sports affinity cards are an evolving trend in the UAE. The Manchester United MasterCard Credit and Prepaid Cards are examples of how we match payment solutions to market needs and provide cardholders with exclusive benefits and priceless experiences. We are extremely proud to have collaborated with Emirates NBD for this card solution and are delighted with the positive response from the bank’s customers.”

The Emirates NBD Manchester United co-branded Mastercard credit card is offered at an annual fee of AED 250. As an introductory offer however, the card is being offered Free for Life and the Prepaid Card will be issued at a one-time fee of AED 75. Cardholders are also guaranteed to receive a RED Box with exclusive Manchester United merchandize on activation and usage of the card.